The rate of smokers is declining day by day in the USA, but it has not yet reached zero.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Disposable vaping is being considered as an alternative to smoking, and it is deemed less harmful than cigarettes. However, it’s important to note that its harm is not zero either.
On a positive note, the percentage of smokers during pregnancy has also declined in the USA.
SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System, Natality.
Here, the situation is that it’s not yet zero. From the graph, we observe that more than 4% of pregnant women are still consuming cigarettes.
Once, we declared war against polio and emerged victorious. People became educated about polio and received vaccinations.
In the case of smoking, we know it’s not good for our health or for the baby during pregnancy, yet some continue to consume it.
And then there’s disposable vaping. While it could serve as an alternative to cigarettes, it’s not entirely harmless or at zero risk. However, when compared to cigarettes, it could be considered less harmful.
Vaping Myths
Before delving into myth-busting, let’s begin with a fundamental question.
Does disposable vaping contain nicotine? Yes, it does. This nicotine is derived from tobacco, according to the American Lung Association. Despite common belief, disposable vaping is often touted as harmless. However, if it contains nicotine, how could it truly be considered harmless?
You’re in safe hands
Being on a safe hand with disposable vaping is a complete misconception. This notion has been manipulated by marketers since the introduction of disposable vaping.
While vaping may serve as an alternative to cigarettes, it is not a safer solution. Manufacturers of vaping products often advertise them as 99% safer, but quitting smoking altogether is the only truly safer solution.
Additionally, vaping during pregnancy is not recommended.
The substances identified in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols include nicotine.
So, continuing with disposable vaping while pregnant is not a safe choice.
The array of substances found in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols, including nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals, could pose risks to both the pregnant person and the developing fetus.
Keep in mind: It’s always best to prioritize the health and well-being of both mother and child by avoiding all forms of nicotine and smoking during pregnancy.
Using Vaping to Quit Smoking
Based on the above discussion, it’s evident that vaping isn’t a wise choice if you’re pregnant. The ingredients present in vaping products are harmful to both you and your baby’s health.
Often, it’s claimed that with disposable vaping, you’re unlikely to consume large amounts of nicotine. Additionally, some argue that nicotine is used as a medicine. However, the question here is how much nicotine is safe during pregnancy. When nicotine is administered in low doses and under the supervision of a certified doctor, it may be deemed acceptable.
But when you’re using disposable vaping, you don’t know how much nicotine you’re consuming, and it’s certainly not prescribed by your doctor.
And you can’t simply replace one bad habit with another. Instead of vaping, consider adopting habits that are beneficial for both you and your baby’s health.
Note: As of now, no research has been found indicating that disposable vaping aids in quitting smoking. Such claims are merely marketing tactics.
I am relaxed, and so is my baby
When pregnant, it’s always advisable to stay relaxed and avoid unnecessary worry. Stress during pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
So, a pregnant woman who vapes may mistakenly believe that her relaxation extends to her baby, which is a big misconception. According to research by L.W. Sontag M.D., the average increase in heart rate was 5.0 ± 0.19 beats. By using disposable vaping, you’re increasing carbon monoxide in your bloodstream, which is detrimental to your baby’s health as it reduces oxygen supply.
Note: While you may feel relaxed as you’ve adapted, your baby hasn’t adapted to harmful substances.
My mother did it, so why shouldn’t I?
It’s another enduring myth about many things, but you shouldn’t think this way. Perhaps your mother didn’t realize that consuming nicotine wasn’t good for you, and she continued. However, you know that consuming nicotine isn’t safe for your baby. So, why would you want to continue?
If you conduct a search, you’ll find numerous studies proving that continuing to consume nicotine is unsafe for your baby. Whether through direct cigarette smoking or using disposable vaping, it always poses risks. By the way, non-smokers or those who have already quit smoking have a lower likelihood of having a low birth weight baby.
Using disposable vaping during pregnancy means I shouldn’t breastfeed my baby
Incorrect. If you are not HIV positive, it’s acceptable to continue breastfeeding your baby. However, it’s imperative to ensure your baby is in a smoke-free environment. You must avoid smoking while breastfeeding your baby.
